The Reunion.

“Adammmm! Mom and Dad found a house!! We’re moving!”

I’m running in the stairs, like a girl running to a sweet store, but in even better. However, when I see my brother’s expression, I understand that he’s not feeling as joyful as I am. On the contrary, he seems shocked, sad, nearly angry.

- “What?! Really? They didn’t say anything, only that they were looking. And all my friends? I like it here, the water is hot, we go snorkelling and everything. How can you be so happy?”

When he says this, it hits directly my heart. I start feeling guilty, as if he was accusing me of his sadness. I try to convince him.

- “But… it’s an island Adam, we’ve seen it all, and it will be easier to see our family. I know you have friends, we’ll do a big party, they’ll never forget you, and who knows, maybe you’ll come back when you’ll be older and see them.”

While talking, I see his face change. He understands, now. But maybe too much.

- “Yeah… Alex, I know. I’m here lamenting myself, but it’s been 2 years, it’s nothing compared to what you had to endure. I know your friends counted so much for you. Count so much. I should have said no, but I was 7, and the word island made me dream. I’m sorry, so sorry.”

- “… Adam… No, don’t be sorry. You were 7! Surely, moving to a tropical place is far more exciting than helping your big sister. And, now you’re 9, what you just said is… so mature, so comprehensive. I should be sorry, not you.”

- “Alex, it’s not mature. It’s what I feel, what comes from my heart. You’re right, it’s an island, we can’t stay there 10 years doing the same circle on and on.”

My brother is a philosopher. No one at 9 can talk like this. No one apart from him.

Mom and Dad found a house, with garden, 4 bedrooms, and a college near by with the same section as the one I started here. They are now looking for flights, and starting to organize the move, they want to send our furniture by boat, in a container. I’m the happiest girl in the world, we’re at last moving away from this tiny bit of land lost in the ocean.